See what is and isn’t typically part of the purchase, and what can be negotiated.

When you buy a home, it’s clear that personal items go with the seller, but not everything is black-and-white. Here’s what you need to know about what’s included when you buy a home.

What’s included in a home sale

Clearly, the physical structure of the home and the land it sits on are included in a home sale. Anything that is permanently attached to the home is also included, and it’s a long list of items: light fixtures and ceiling fans; the HVAC system; built-in appliances such as the range, oven and dishwasher; built-in shelving; carpet; window blinds and curtain rods; garage door and gate openers; the mailbox; landscaping; fencing and in-ground pools.

When there’s an in-ground pool, pool equipment stays with the home. This includes permanently installed equipment such as the pump, filter, heater and control system, as well as detached equipment that may include a solar cover, skimmer and vacuum hose and head.

What goes with the seller

The seller’s personal belongings, furniture, décor and any freestanding items that are not included in the purchase agreement go with seller. This means furniture, TVs, area rugs and the like go with the seller.

Appliances, including the refrigerator, washer and dryer, may or may not go with seller. It depends on what’s included in the purchase agreement. 

What might be a gray area

Sometimes buyers and sellers have different expectations about what stays with a home. Wireless home security systems, for example, often fall into a gray area because they aren’t permanently attached to the property. Other items that can cause confusion include framed bathroom mirrors and sheds that are not anchored to the ground.

What’s negotiable

Buyers and sellers can negotiate which items are included or excluded from the sale. When the seller is downsizing or selling a second home, they may state in the listing that the sale includes furniture. Buyers may have requests of their own. For example, they may not want the hot tub and make its removal and restoration of the hot tub area a condition of their purchase offer.

Get clarity by getting it in writing

To avoid misunderstandings between buyer and seller later, it’s best to get agreements about non-permanent items that stay with a home or go with a seller in writing.

Buying your next home

When it’s time to buy your next home, check out our custom-tailored prestamos de casa with rates and terms that can help turn your dream of owning a home into a reality.

 

Todos los préstamos están sujetos a aprobación. Las tasas, términos y condiciones están sujetos a cambios y pueden variar según la solvencia, las calificaciones y las condiciones de la garantía.